The U.S. government is finalizing a National Defense Strategy that may shift focus from alliances to domestic priorities, alarming allies.
New Pentagon Strategy Under Development
The U.S. government is working on the National Defense Strategy (NDS), a key document outlining defense priorities and global troop deployments. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who commissioned the strategy, has been criticized for previously advocating reduced U.S. military presence in Europe and the Middle East. This marks a departure from the Pentagon’s long-standing approach of strengthening foreign alliances for national defense.
The new strategy emphasizes domestic issues, including border security, countering illegal migration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling, in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security.
Criticism and Doubts
Military leaders have expressed reservations about the strategy’s focus on internal threats while China continues its military expansion. Critics argue the strategy is poorly conceived and neglects external security challenges.
Military Summit in Quantico
On Tuesday, September 30, a gathering of over 800 generals, admirals, and advisors will take place at the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia. President Donald Trump will attend, alongside commanders from around the world, including the Middle East and Indo-Pacific. The meeting, called by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is unprecedented in scale and timing, typically planned months in advance with smaller groups. Critics suggest it reflects Trump’s authoritarian tendencies and an attempt to assert control over the military.
